Lesson 2: Problem-focused Introduction
Estimated Time: 35 minutes
Lesson Objective: At the end of this lesson, you will be able to create an engaging introduction paragraph.
Introduction paragraph for a problem / solution essay
Now we are going to look at the organization of problem-solution essays. First, the introduction. In your introductory paragraph, you are going to carefully outline the problem by asking; what is the issue and why does it need to be solved?
The introduction of your essay will include three parts – the hook or the catch, background information and the thesis statement. For the hook you will want to write something interesting to catch your reader’s attention. It is important to make sure that your hook is interesting because most readers will decide whether to continue reading or not based on it.
After the introduction you should give your readers some background information to help them better understand the problem. Consider writing about where or when the problem occurs, who is affected by the problem and what could happen if the problem isn’t solved.
Finally, you should add your thesis statement at the end of the introduction paragraph. Here, you will summarise the problem and briefly describe the solution or solutions you are suggesting to fix that problem.
Remember, there are two kinds of thesis statements:
One is the Stated thesis statement where the author gives an outline of everything that will be covered in the paper.
For example:
“The best way to solve heavy traffic is by using public transportation as it is more efficient, economical and sustainable than other forms of transport.”
The other form of thesis statement is the Implied thesis statement. This form of thesis statement doesn’t give a lot of specifics and doesn’t follow any kind of organisational plan.
For example:
“Knowledge and preparation can help international students actively participate in conversations rather than avoiding them.”
Note in the second example how it is possible to write a thesis statement that implies the main points of an essay without having to specifically list them.
Let’s have a look at some other thesis statement examples for problem – solution essays:
- ”There are three ways to solve the garbage problem in Riverside, which include education, improvement of recycling programs, and the enforcement of regulations.”
- ”There are three effective ways to solve the garbage problem in Riverside.”
- “The problem of garbage in Riverside can be solved by educating people, recycling, and enforcing current regulations.”
Now, let’s have a look at an example of an introductory paragraph complete with a thesis statement.
“There is nothing worse than being trapped in your car in the middle of a traffic jam. It is frustrating knowing that you are going to be late to work and there is nothing you can do to speed traffic up. Traffic jams often occur during the busiest hours of the day or right after large events due to there being more vehicles on the road than normal. Traffic jams can also be caused by car accidents, weather events or even road construction. Traffic jams are a problem because they can cause accidents, make people late and contribute to global warming. Fortunately, we can reduce traffic jams by using public transportation because it is more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly than driving an individual car.”
Now, let’s dissect our example introductory paragraph paying close attention to the different sections.
The first two opening sentences provide the hook or catch. They capture the reader’s attention and remind us how bad it is to be stuck in a traffic jam. Next, the writer offers potential causes for traffic jams and provides important background information about when, where and how they occur. This is followed by a sentence describing what could happen if we don’t solve the problem of traffic jams. The final sentence is the thesis statement. Here, the writer clearly states the solution and provides several reasons why this solution makes the most sense.